Brutal Rule

Brutal Rule . . .

Qin Wentian cast a keen eye across the brilliant panorama of genius cultivators that populated the Eastern Sage Cliff. Among the 360 participants who presently occupied the sacred immortal statues, only a smattering remained in the vicinity. Even Zi Qingxuan, who had initially been his companion, had ventured elsewhere after she concluded her profound comprehension of the inheritance art bestowed by her chosen immortal statue.

With a glance at Jun Mengchen, Qin Wentian proposed, "Why don't we explore other regions as well?" Their decision to part ways temporarily would inevitably enhance their prospects of stumbling upon hidden treasures.

Emulating a wind roc, Qin Wentian took to the skies with the grace of an aerial maestro. Nevertheless, their momentary separation was met with an unexpected revelation. A thundering voice reverberated through the expanse of the Eastern Sage Cliff, cutting through the air like a double-edged sword.

"Current number of participants still situated here: Approximately 1,050!"

The chilling implications behind these words were not lost on the attentive audience. The elimination of just 50 more contestants would herald the commencement of the next round. Moreover, those who so desired could be accepted as external disciples of the prestigious Eastern Immortal Sage Sect.

As Qin Wentian briefly halted his flight and looked heavenward, he registered the urgency of their situation. Time was rapidly slipping away, and the golden opportunity to amass more fortune was drawing to a close. The task at hand was clear—eliminate the competition swiftly.

Resuming his trajectory through the heavens, Qin Wentian gracefully alighted upon the peak of a majestic mountain. With a sense of profound calm, he shut his eyes and immersed himself in introspection, delving into the rich tapestry of insights he had gleaned during his time here.

Half a year within the Eastern Sage Cliff had yielded considerable growth. His affiliation with a major power had its perks, one of which was the ability to seek and seize fortune within the expansive realm of their sect's territory.

In the blink of an eye, Qin Wentian entered a sublime state of consciousness. His body emitted a harmonious, melodious symphony of subtle sounds as it gradually bathed in a radiant shroud of martial brilliance, exuding a formidable presence.

With a flourish of his hand, Qin Wentian launched into a practice session, deftly weaving palm arts, sword arts, spear arts, and bell arts. Each move brimmed with incredible might and resonated through the air, interweaving with an underlying essence of law energy.

As his mastery over these martial forms deepened, a brilliant halo of battle fervor enveloped him. His entire being underwent a metamorphosis, radiating an intensified aura of martial might.

Qin Wentian couldn't help but marvel at the transformation he was undergoing. When he finally opened his eyes, he withdrew his overpowering presence, yet the resplendent battle halo continued to orbit around him, reinforcing his aura and combat prowess. His proficiency in wielding the battle art had reached an impressive level.

In the realm of the Eastern Sage Cliff, an expert's silhouette sliced through the air like a bolt of lightning or a rampaging tornado, creating a cacophony of whistling sounds that reverberated across the skies. His eagle-like eyes scanned the terrain below, hunting for his quarry, and in an instant, he locked onto Qin Wentian. A frigid intent gleamed in his eyes as he contemplated Qin Wentian's position, ranked twenty-seventh in the Cloud Prefecture. While this ranking was commendable, it was time for Qin Wentian to make his exit. Dispatching him would bring the attacker one step closer to joining the esteemed Eastern Sage Immortal Sect.

With this determination, the assailant descended like a grey streak of lightning, carrying a menacing aura that bore down upon Qin Wentian. His murderous intent permeated the surroundings, as if he aimed to cleave Qin Wentian in twain with a single, swift strike. His eyes exuded arrogance and razor-sharp focus.

Qin Wentian's response was a simple inclination of his head. In that momentary exchange of gazes, his eyes radiated an overwhelming battle fervor that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. This single glance instilled the attacker with a profound and inexplicable dread, one that coursed through the depths of his soul. Qin Wentian's unmatched battle will enveloped him, and a resplendent battle halo encircled his form, elevating his presence to celestial heights. The attacker's countenance contorted in sheer terror, sensing that something was gravely amiss—his intended victim was far more formidable than he had anticipated.

Nonetheless, he remained confident in his speed and resolve. His attack unfolded in the blink of an eye, slashing through the air with devastating force. There was no longer any room for retreat.

Qin Wentian raised his palms, unleashing a torrent of sword qi with a mere flourish. The air vibrated with the piercing resonance of steel as his sword, infused with battle qi, cut through the very fabric of reality. The sound of its slicing path echoed through the surroundings as the attacker, defying all odds, was cleaved in two by a single, merciless sword strike.

The battle halo intensified, casting a brilliant radiance around Qin Wentian. His visage remained composed, and although he had not sought confrontation, he harbored no mercy for those who dared provoke him. After this altercation, he resumed his cultivation, his focus undeterred.

As time flowed by, a voice resonated from the ethereal law enchantment suspended in the air. "The battles within the Eastern Sage Cliff may now cease. The number of remaining participants stands at 1,000. Seek the spatial formations and exit immediately."

"The competition has concluded."

A thousand individuals within the Eastern Sage Cliff turned their heads, marked by a reluctance to leave. They yearned to continue delving into their newfound arts and cultivate within this sacred realm. However, the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's decree left them no choice but to depart.

Qin Wentian shared the same sentiment. From his mountain perch, he took flight, soaring to a nearby miniature spatial formation that emanated a radiant golden light. As he approached, he was drawn into the formation, and in an instant, astral light flashed, accompanied by seismic spatial fluctuations. Qin Wentian felt his body shifting through the very fabric of space, and moments later, he emerged beyond the confines of the Eastern Sage Cliff. Around him, numerous silhouettes materialized one after another, exiting the sacred realm.

Not long after, all thousand participants congregated in this designated area. Those who had exited earlier had already dispersed, realizing they didn't possess the qualifications to linger further in this place.

Ghost Sabre Mu Yan approached Qin Wentian, signaling that he too had successfully passed the test. Soon after, Jun Mengchen and Zi Qingxuan joined them, forming a group of four. Other participants also assembled in groups of three to five, mostly fellow prefecture residents who were familiar with one another.

"Finally," an icy voice echoed across the space. Qin Wentian turned his gaze to see Blackpeak approaching, his eyes seething with malevolence and a flicker of murderous intent. The extent of his desire to exact revenge on Qin Wentian for the humiliation endured in the Eastern Sage Cliff was palpable. It seemed he was willing to go to any length to tear Qin Wentian apart.

Jun Mengchen sneered, taunting Blackpeak, "Defeated loser, you dare to utter threats in front of my senior?"

"That place is the Eastern Sage Cliff Mountain Range, and his luck was better than mine. I look forward to seeing how long he can survive from now on." Blackpeak's voice dripped with cold malice, the burning murder in his eyes leaving no doubt that he harbored lethal intentions toward them all.

"You must've forgotten how close you came to losing your life," Qin Wentian countered, his gaze unyielding and sharp.

"That will be the most regrettable decision you ever make in this life," Blackpeak retorted before walking away. Qin Wentian merely watched him go, acknowledging that Blackpeak was unlikely to let things rest easily. Nevertheless, he had made his choice.

"Congratulations, everyone." A commanding voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. Participants turned their heads to behold the immortal from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect, his eyes fixed upon them. "Should you wish, you now have the opportunity to become external disciples of our Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. After the banquet, you will be formally inducted."

The announcement stirred visible emotions among the participants. The Eastern Sage Immortal Sect ruled all thirteen prefectures, its might undeniable. Finally, they felt they had secured a foothold, gaining recognition from this formidable sect.

Of course, there were some who remained outwardly composed. Their self-confidence extended beyond the prospect of becoming mere external disciples. Their aspirations reached far higher.

"The first test has concluded, granting external disciple status to the remaining 1,000 participants. The next test will further whittle down this number, ultimately leaving 160 individuals. These fortunate participants will have the opportunity to meet the extraordinary figures from the thirteen prefectures and join a banquet in their honor. Moreover, there may be additional opportunities for deeper interactions," the immortal from the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect explained.

With a hearty laugh, the immortal representing the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect continued to address the gathered geniuses. His words ignited sparks of determination and ambition in their eyes. Their next endeavor would be to vie for the coveted positions of core disciples within the illustrious sect. These positions would grant them access to the attention of esteemed elders, an opportunity to partake in a grand banquet attended by influential figures, and, ultimately, the chance to become nominated disciples directly under the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor himself.

While the title of "nominal disciple" might seem humble, it conferred a position of immense authority within the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Those holding this distinction, much like Ye Zixuan, wielded authority potent enough to command entire regiments of troops.

Regardless of the benefits, Sage Childs always took precedence. Sage Childs, groomed as future leaders, held the most influential positions within the sect. As a result, the majority of leadership roles were occupied by Sage Childs, disciples who enjoyed the favor and mentorship of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor himself. Thus, becoming a disciple of the Eastern Sage Immortal Emperor would instantly elevate one to a supreme status within the sect.

"Our next trial will lead us to become core disciples, offering us a chance to engage with the formidable experts of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect!" The excitement among the participants was palpable as they anticipated the next round—the second selection test.

"However, the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect's second test is not for the faint-hearted; it's a bloody ordeal. This is not merely a trial for you but also for the current disciples of the sect. You will share a dimensional space with them, and your task is to evade their pursuit while they aim to hunt you down. The more of you they capture, the greater their rewards. There are mini spatial formations within for escape, but rest assured, they will spare no effort in their attempts to eliminate you."

The hearts of the participants quivered at this revelation. The second test required them to confront the current disciples of the Eastern Sage Immortal Sect. Furthermore, these disciples were tasked with hunting them down mercilessly.

"In the dimension, your cultivation levels will be visible to all. Only those of the same level may engage in combat, and anyone who breaks this rule will face execution. You need not worry about cultivators of a higher level pursuing you, nor can you challenge those above your level."

Though the immortal clarified these rules, the anxiety among the participants persisted. Being on the same cultivation level didn't guarantee fairness; the disciples already had a head start, and it was unclear whether the challenges would be one-on-one or group affairs.

The looming start of the second test filled the atmosphere with apprehension. This mission posed a significant risk to both the participants and the sect's disciples. However, it was precisely this intensity that would cultivate true elites.

"Follow me. If you're apprehensive, you may exit the dimension using the spatial formations once you enter. In any case, you will all become external disciples of our sect," the immortal declared before soaring into the sky, leading the way toward their next challenge.